Ronald Stafford of Schenectady, left, and the Rev. John Koletas speak with the media Sunday at Grace Baptist Church in Troy. Stafford won a voucher from the church to purchase an AR-15 rifle at Oakwood Trading Post in Troy.
J.S. CARRAS — THE RECORD

TROY >> The Sunday morning service at Grace Baptist Church was a little different this week, as people filled the pews not only in hopes of hearing God’s word, but to hear their name announced as the winner of an AR-15 rifle.

While New York state government tries to limit gun usage, Grace Baptist Church is putting AR-15s in the hands of the people. The Rev. John Koletas, leader of the church, announced the event in early March. The parish doubled in size for Sunday’s big event.

At Sunday’s service, he made another announcement that a second rifle would be given away at 7 p.m. Monday.

“It may not sit well with some folks, but with all the media attention, the public pressure and the backlash we received … after consideration I have decide that instead of giving away a pre-modified AR-15 rifle, that we are going to give away two,” Koletas said.

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Within the service, the AR-15 from Oakwood Trading Post made it on stage. Koletas placed it upon his podium as he spoke.

After the service and a few baptisms took place, the crowd listened for their names in the drawing. To everyone’s surprise, the first several winners were not available and could not claim the prize.

Finally, Ronald Stafford was the first big winner. Stafford, of Schenectady, is already a gun owner, hunter, shooter and an avid supporter of the Second Amendment.

“The Second Amendment works with our God-given rights,” he said.

State Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin showed his support and spoke during the church service.

“The intent is to support the constitution and liberty,” he said.

Visiting speaker Dr. Bob Gray also spoke at the service, preaching his support of the right to bear arms.

Working within the legal qualifications of New York’s SAFE Act, it was noted on the church’s website that giveaway applicants were subject to a federal background check. It was also stated on the promotional flier that anyone could be disqualified for questionable character.

Anyone of legal age who attended, registered and showed identification could enter their name for free to win the gun.

However, Koletas went over the qualifications again in his opening remarks Sunday morning, with the addition of a few rules. He reminded the congregation before the service that the church reserves the right to disqualify anyone.

“You will be disqualified if you have any connection to or personally know the Missing Link,” Koletas said, referring to Missing Link Street Ministry Mission of Sixth Street in Troy, which, led by Rev. Willie Bacote, holds gun buyback programs. Likewise went for the Rev. Charlie Muller of Albany’s Victory Christian Church, another gun buyback organization.

Koletas also said the having the names Hossain or Mohammed may be reason for disqualification. His last stipulation: “You may be disqualified if you don’t have a beard.”

Troy residents were additionally subject to Troy Police Department reviewing each name before Grace Baptist Church would hand out the gun. If police found any concerns, the applicant would be disqualified.